What to Expect

Masonry programs teach students to combine brain power with physical strength to build fine structures out of brick, marble, plastic and stone.

"At the end of the day, you can turn around and look at what you've done, what you've built," says Amanda Fall. "There's a real sense of satisfaction. Not a lot of jobs have that."

After years of working in the food service industry, Fall enrolled in a technical college's apprenticeship program in bricklaying.

The physical aspect of the work was tough at first, she says. "But over time, you get used to it. You get into shape and can handle it. It's like working out. Eventually you can handle more."

In an apprenticeship program, some days students will be in school, getting some classroom instruction and working on projects in a shop class. Other days, they're on the job with the company that has sponsored them.

The days can be long and tiring, but homework is minimal, says Fall.

Paul Martinson took a one-year pre-apprenticeship program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, so the days for him were a bit different. He started school at 7:30 a.m. and worked on projects in shop during the morning. In the afternoon, he had two hours of lecture classes in such subjects as blueprinting and contract reading. There was often reading to do in the evenings.

How to Prepare

In high school, focus on math courses.

"Geometry, especially," says Martinson. "It helps with angles and measurements, which are really important. I was one of those people in school who would take math and say, 'When am I ever going to need this?' I learned pretty quick that you do need it."

He also recommends shop classes, which can help students put their knowledge to practical use and learn about tools, materials and equipment.

Fall says art and drafting classes are an asset. Physical education will help students stay in shape.